Colorectal cancer stands as the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to maintain colon health. The colon, the final part of your digestive tract, plays an essential role in processing waste through your body. Colon polyps, growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum, are often benign but can develop into colorectal cancer if untreated. While genetics is the main factor in the development of colon cancer, diet also plays a large role. Understanding the relationship between diet and colon polyp prevention is crucial for reducing your risk.
Understanding Colon Polyps and Their Risks
Colon polyps are growths that form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. While most polyps are non-cancerous, some can develop into colorectal cancer over time if left untreated. These growths vary in size and shape, ranging from small, flat lesions to larger, stalk-like formations. Polyps typically develop due to genetic mutations in cells that regulate growth, although particular lifestyle and environmental factors can increase the risk.
Colon polyps may seem harmless, especially when they do not present any symptoms, but their potential to develop into colorectal cancer makes understanding the associated risks essential. Lifestyle choices, including a diet high in red or processed meats, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle, can elevate the likelihood of polyp formation. Chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, and type 2 diabetes may also contribute to higher risk levels.
The Role of Diet in Colon Polyp Prevention
Nutrition plays a critical role in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. The foods you consume and the lifestyle you lead impact your cancer risk levels and your body's ability to prevent cancer. Smart food choices can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Diet plays a significant role in the development and prevention of colon polyps. Consuming a diet high in red and processed meats has been linked to an increased risk of polyp formation due to the carcinogenic compounds formed during the processing and cooking of these foods. On the contrary, A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other high-fiber foods may help protect against polyps by promoting regular bowel movements and providing essential gut health nutrients.
Fiber-Rich Foods: The Cornerstone of Colon Health
"Eating a nutrient-dense, high-fiber diet not only keeps the walls of your colon strong, but it can also prevent hemorrhoids or pouches in your colon," says Kate Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic registered dietitian nutritionist. Fiber-rich foods, like fruits and veggies, whole grains, nuts and seeds, are also more nutrient-dense. Increasing your dietary fiber intake. Consume fiber-rich foods, such as whole wheat bread or brown rice, and beans and legumes, such as soybeans, lentils, peas, pinto beans, black beans and kidney beans. These are great sources of protein, fiber, vitamin B and vitamin E.
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
Prebiotics are the soluble fiber which go through the gut unchanged and then are used by good colon bacteria as a fuel source for their own growth. These bacteria then make short chain fatty acids such as butyrate. This substance renders the colon acidic and is a fuel source for the health of the colon’s own cells. The bacteria that live in our colon rely on the prebiotic fiber we eat to make substances that maintain the health of our own colon. Scientists call this mutualism. One of the possible benefits of this process is to make the colon cells less likely to turn into precancerous and cancerous cells. So, what are these prebiotic soluble plant fibers? Psyllium, found in bowel supplements such as Metamucil are fermented by colon bacteria. It will reduce cholesterol, but other health benefits have still not been demonstrated. The bottom line is that almost any plant food can be a benefit to the colon.
Increasing fiber intake: Choosing whole grain foods over processed foods and eating more fruits and vegetables - especially cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower and kale - can help boost overall fiber intake, Dr. Nordstrom noted. Another option to boost fiber intake is taking a daily psyllium husk supplement, he said. Fiber helps guard against constipation, which is a risk factor that’s starting to be looked at both for colorectal cancer and for other diseases. “Not having things sit around in the colon is probably a good idea,” he said, with the goal being to eliminate stool daily or every other day. Increased fiber intake also reduces the likelihood of developing adenomatous polyps, which are benign growths that can become cancerous over time, he said.
The Power of Plant-Based Foods
Maintaining a nutritious diet. Eat a variety of plant-based foods. Make healthy food choices, like vegetables, whole grains, legumes (beans) and nuts. It is hard to realize how little red meat was available hundreds of years ago when plant foods were the basis of the diet in Europe and likely the New World Indians as well. The adult body needs perhaps only 50 grams of protein a day. Much of it can be obtained from plant foods.
Cruciferous Vegetables: A Potent Anti-Cancer Ally
Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower are felt by many to be gassy. This is probably not true as they do not have an excessive amount of soluble fiber, which the colon’s bacteria need to make colon gas. What they do have is a lot of sulfur. But, there is an extraordinary payoff here. Sulforaphane is a key ingredient in these vegetables. In broccoli sprouts, it is exceptionally high. This is a powerful anti-cancer substance. The regular ingestion of these vegetables has been found in many medical studies, to be associated with a reduced cancer risk in many organs of the body. In the laboratory and in animal testing, sulforaphane has been found to have strong anti-cancer properties.
Increasing fiber intake: Choosing whole grain foods over processed foods and eating more fruits and vegetables - especially cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower and kale - can help boost overall fiber intake, Dr. Nordstrom noted.
Read also: Walnut Keto Guide
Calcium and Vitamin D: Essential Nutrients for Colon Health
Calcium is one of the most common elements in the body. Yet, we still need a regular ingestion of at least 1,200 mg of calcium a day. Milk can provide much of this. The calcium in vegetables is not as readily available to the body. Colon cancer risk seems to be greater when a low amount of calcium is ingested. So, adequate calcium intake in the form of milk, dairy products, shellfish and vegetables is recommended. Vitamin D has always been associated with calcium and strong bones. Most tissues in the body, including colon cells, have receptors or attachment points for vitamin D. Hmm, that’s interesting. Vitamin D controls, either directly or indirectly, over 200 genes responsible for healthy cell growth. There is recognition that vitamin D deficiency is common, especially in the temperate weather zones where sun exposure is variable. This is startling information. The blood level of vitamin D should be above 30 ng/ml. National experts are not in agreement on the amount of vitamin D needed to reach this level. Toxicity from too much vitamin D is very rare but can develop if vitamin D supplementation is taken in excess.
Obtaining enough vitamin D: “Even in places like Los Angeles where you get a lot of sunshine, there’s still a very high incidence of vitamin D deficiency,” Dr. Nordstrom said. Given that higher levels of vitamin D can inhibit colorectal cancer progression and development of other cancers as well, he recommends that patients be checked for vitamin D deficiency so they can supplement as needed.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water. Stay hydrated-ensure you're getting enough fluids each day. The primary function of the colon is to absorb water from the food and beverages that we consume. Try sipping on water, flavored water, tea, milk, broth, Pedialyte and sports drinks throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
Certain foods have been identified as potential contributors to the development of colon polyps. Diets high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars can lead to inflammation and insulin resistance, which may play a role in polyp formation. Eating more dairy. Certain food and drink-especially in high quantities-can cause an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Red and Processed Meats: A Known Risk Factor
Red meat is as American as apple pie. But meat tastes so good. But for colon cancer prevention, it is best to modify the intake. Take smaller portions, perhaps a piece of meat about the size of a deck of cards. Reduce the frequency of red meat ingestion to 3 or 4 times a week or to whatever you feel comfortable with.
Read also: Weight Loss with Low-FODMAP
Curtailing consumption of red meat and processed meat: Both red meat and processed meat have been linked to an increased risk for colorectal cancer. “For the average individual, I don’t say they should never enjoy a steak or hamburger, but it’s not something they should have more than a few times a month,” Dr. Nordstrom said. He also cautioned that high-temperature cooking methods, including blackening or charring the meat, can have carcinogenic effects, and the risk from consuming processed meats, such as bacon or hot dogs, is even higher.
Eat less red meat and processed meats. Processed meats and red meats, such as deli meat or hot dogs, may be associated with an increased risk of developing colon cancer. This is due to the presence of compounds such as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are created when red meat is cooked at high temperatures. Processed meat is any meat (white or dark) that has been preserved through salting, smoking or curing (such as salami, sausage, bologna, lunch meats and hot dogs).
Decrease the amount of red meat you eat (up to 4oz. total per day)
Alcohol: Moderation is Key
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol increases your risk of developing cancerous cells. Limiting alcohol: Drinking more than two to three alcoholic beverages per day is linked to a significant increase in colorectal cancer, Dr. Nordstrom said. However, having up to one drink a day is far less problematic. “We tend not to be as austere and tell people they have to avoid alcohol completely,” he said. Alcohol. It’s okay to drink alcohol on rare occasions, but during treatment, it’s important to limit alcohol consumption as much as possible. Alcohol can interact with many medications and is linked to the development of colon cancer. If you do drink, limit your intake to no more than one (for women) or two (for men) standard drink(s) per day.
Fast Food and High Glycemic Load Foods
Rethink your go-to fast food order. Traditionally, fast food is highly processed, low in nutrients and may contribute to obesity which increases cancer risk. Limit products with high glycemic loads. Foods such as white rice, noodles, cake and sugar have a lot of refined carbohydrates and sugars. You don’t have to forego these goods altogether but try to limit consumption, as cancer research has found a clear and direct link between foods with a high glycemic load and colorectal cancer.
Additional Lifestyle Considerations
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is equally important-avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake can reduce potential risk factors.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Obesity gets blamed for just about everything. Numerous medical studies have found that being overweight is a colon cancer risk factor for both men and women. The heavier you are, the higher the risk. Paying attention to excess weight and physical activity: Rates of obesity have been going up, Dr. Nordstrom said, especially between early adulthood and midlife. Given the link between excess weight and a range of health risks, including colorectal cancers and several other types of cancers, he recommends that patients make healthy food choices and increase their physical activity to help guard against becoming overweight or obese. Excess weight also increases the risk for diabetes, he noted, which has also been linked to an increased likelihood of developing colorectal cancers. As hard as it is, control your weight.
Avoiding Tobacco Products
Avoiding nicotine products: The same can’t be said for nicotine, however. Dr. Nordstrom advises patients to avoid cigarettes and other tobacco products such as vaping completely. “With tobacco, it isn’t even just the nicotine - there are so many other carcinogens that are in there,” he said. In addition, cigarette smoke contains free radicals, which are also considered carcinogenic and are associated with an increased risk of more advanced adenomas, or polyps, in the colon.“Smoking is a risk factor for more advanced types of adenomas and really should be avoided completely,” Dr. Nordstrom said. “There’s no safe amount.” Is there any disease or disorder where smoking cigarettes and excessive alcohol are not implicated? Sad to say, the same holds true for polyps and colon cancer.
The Potential Role of Aspirin
In the past, it has been demonstrated that aspirin was believed to reduce the risk of recurrent polyps in the colon. Some studies demonstrate that regular aspirin, as little as two times a week, has shown a beneficial reduction in risk. High risk patients can consider starting Aspirin. Aspirin and other drugs in its class, may have properties that can retard the development of colon cancer. Before starting these medications, consult with Dr.
Screening and Early Detection
Screening for colon polyps is a vital step in maintaining digestive health and preventing potential complications, such as colorectal cancer. Those with a family history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer or individuals with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease may need to begin screenings earlier. It is essential to talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms that may indicate the presence of colon polyps or other gastrointestinal issues. If you have a family history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer, discuss this with your healthcare provider to assess your risk and explore early screening options.
Colorectal cancer screening - which for most people should start at age 45 - saves lives by catching cancer early.Learn more about colorectal cancer screening at UCLA Health
Nutrition During and After Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Focusing on nutrition remains essential after a colorectal cancer diagnosisFor patients who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the same principles still apply but are modified and personalized based on the patient’s situation.“Once you have cancer, a lot will depend on what stage you have and what the treatment course is going to look like as well as what symptoms you have,” said Nancee Jaffe, RDN, lead dietitian for the UCLA Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases. In addition to Jaffe’s team of registered dietitians, patients who have colorectal cancer may also work with dietitians at UCLA Health’s radiation centers while they’re undergoing radiation, then return to Jaffe’s team as they proceed to the next stage of their treatment. “We’ve seen that when patients have a dietitian as part of their care team, they tend to do better post-surgery and they tend to do better during their adjunct treatments,” Jaffe said. “The dietitian is going to look for things like malnutrition or inadequate intake and can make a huge difference in terms of these patients having good outcomes.”
Pre-surgery, some patients may struggle to get their calorie and protein needs met when they’re undergoing treatment due to nausea, loss of appetite or other factors; in those scenarios, the dietitian working with the patient may recommend supplements such as protein shakes.Additionally, when patients are going through chemotherapy or radiation, supplements that contain antioxidants may need to be temporarily discontinued because of their potential to interfere with treatment. This may even include supplements containing vitamin C or vitamin E, said Jaffe, who stressed that it’s best for the patient to consult with their care team to determine the best course of action.
Prior to surgery, patients may also be experiencing issues such as constipation if there’s an obstructing tumor in the colon or rectum, Jaffe said. In this scenario, the goal is to help the stool pass through more easily, which might entail boosting fiber intake, but could also mean adding foods or supplements that act as laxatives. “Instead of talking about high fiber or low fiber, what we usually talk about is fiber modification,” Jaffe explained. For example, if whole blueberries are causing gastrointestinal issues, the recommendation might be to puree them in a smoothie or bake them in a muffin.
Once a patient undergoes surgery, there may be other issues based on both the healing process and the specific parts of the colon or rectum that were removed. Particularly when large portions of the colon have been removed, ensuring the person is obtaining adequate nutrition - including that it’s being absorbed properly - can be a concern.
If more than half of the colon has been removed, dehydration or issues with bile acid absorption may need to be addressed. A patient who’s lost part of their colon or rectum may notice looser or more frequent bowel movements or may notice a change in color, Jaffe said.“If a patient is having five or more bowel movements a day or if they’re very loose or watery, that means they’re losing fluid,” she said. “Not only would we want to try to keep the fluid in their body, we may want to have them try oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte drinks.”
For someone who’s had the rectum removed (the chamber where stool is held before it exits the body), Jaffe focuses on dietary changes to help ensure that the stool is formed in a way that’s easier for the person’s changed anatomy to handle. This might mean changing the timing or frequency of meals, adding a fiber supplement, or changing the types of fiber the person consumes, she said.“After you’ve gone through cancer treatment, the diet is hopefully the same,” Jaffe said.
Key Nutritional Strategies During Cancer Treatment
- Get adequate calories. Eating enough to maintain your weight and muscle mass during colorectal cancer treatment can improve patient outcomes while helping patients better tolerate treatment. Many patients struggle to maintain a healthy weight. You may not feel like eating or drinking during treatment and some side effects might make it hard to eat.
- Eat smaller portions. Colorectal cancer and its treatment affect your body's ability to digest and absorb nutrients. Eating smaller portions of food is easier for your system to digest.
- Include protein with most meals and snacks. Protein is important for helping the body maintain muscle and heal the damage to healthy cells that can be caused by cancer treatment.
- Consume healthy fats. These give the body energy and reduce inflammation, plus they may help the brain and nervous system function properly.
The Importance of Specialized Dietary Guidance
Cancer treatment is very individualized-and so are the nutrition recommendations for each patient's case. Ask your oncologist for a referral to a dietitian. At the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, we have specialized, oncology-trained dieticians who work with patients-no matter where they are in their health journey-to build personalized nutrition plans. As you move from diagnosis through surgery and other treatments, your dietary needs will change. You should always follow your provider’s advice when undergoing treatment for cancer. However, certain practices, like changing your diet, can improve your overall health and help reduce treatment-related side effects.